After I completed this painting, that I began in class as a demonstration, I decided that it would be a good one to record to show my step by step process.  It is done using so much negative painting that it is best to see the process from beginning to end. What follows is that process, but it is shown backwards.  Painting flowers is fun and a good way to improve skills.  I hope you like it.

I have added more flowers and completely covered the background with washy color.  I know that if I want the light flowers to be the most important element, I have to get rid of the white in the background.  I am at a stopping place.  I will study the painting for awhile to decide how much detail I want in the secondary, background shapes of the leaves.  I like the back runs that create movement in the background.  The colors are looking pretty sweet to me at this point, so I will take that into consideration as I complete the painting. 

I added more light flowers and continued to push them forward with the blue, thinking all the time about making the composition interesting.  I also refine any shapes that don't look right to me.  It is easy to do at this stage when everything is so light.  I little water on a soft brush is often all that is needed to take out shapes or lines that don't feel right.

This is the beginning.  I want to illustrate my process for anyone who may be interested.  It is good for me to keep a record as I paint because it helps me teach, so here goes.  I picked three petunias out of a pot that contained dozens and I painted them with no lines on the paper.  I spent time trying to get good shapes with good placement on the 15" x 11" sheet of watercolor paper.  I used blue to push the light flowers forward.

Thinking of spring brings about positive thoughts and negative painting.  I wanted to paint a close up of shrubbery and get interesting colors and shapes.  My favorite way to work, this takes some practice if I haven't done it in awhile.  This one got me going and I had fun pushing the values.  Positively Springtime is 15" x 22". 

Waiting For the Blooming Vines.  Here is the"after" photo.  I just added more vines and negative shapes.  I hope you like it. 

Getting there.  I worked on this one more time after I took this photo, but I thought I would post the before first and then the after.  I hope I haven't ruined it...but I am always pushing the envelope and sometimes I just have to suffer the consequences.  This painting is acrylic on paper.  I am working with fluid acrylics because they can create such strong, beautiful colors and you only need a few to mix a wide variety of hues.  I love working with them!  The paper is hot press watercolor with gesso applied to it.  It makes a strong surface to work on.  I began the painting with watercolors, but the acrylics took over.  I guess I am Waiting for the Blooming Vines.

I have been painting a series based on the trumpet vine that I planted in my yard a few years ago.  I don't have a green thumb, so I am always happy when I find a plant that will survive the elements and my lack of gardening skills.  The vine needs the trellis and I enjoy the the straight lines that contrast the organic shapes in this subject.  I will be posting the series as it unfolds.

Just having a little fun with watercolor.  I love this medium!  Wet and wild or prim and proper; so many ways to apply the paint.  The challenge here was to paint the subject without any drawing on the paper.  I also wanted to use lots of water to get those runs and let the paint mix and mingle.  I had fun with the colors too.  I think I will call this one, It's Five O'clock Somewhere.  Not original, but fun.